UN Secretary-General calls for an end to fighting before the conflict in the Middle East escalates.
(CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
The UNSC held an emergency meeting following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The UN Secretary-General called for a de-escalation and an immediate end to the fighting before the conflict escalates.
On March 1, 2569, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency meeting on Saturday (February 28) to discuss the situation in Iran, following major military attacks by the United States and Israel earlier that day.
Xinhua News Agency reported that UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the US and Israeli military attacks, as well as the subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes, stating that these actions violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Guterres warned that military operations risked triggering uncontrollable events in one of the world's most fragile regions, emphasizing that international law and international humanitarian law must always be respected.
“There is no more sustainable option than settling international disputes peacefully,” the UN Secretary-General stated , adding that lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including serious negotiation.
The UN Secretary-General also stated that the US and Israeli attacks occurred after the conclusion of the third round of indirect talks between the US and Iran, brokered by Oman, which had originally planned for technical cooperation in Vienna next week, followed by a new round of political talks. “I am deeply saddened that this diplomatic opportunity has been ruined,” he said.
Furthermore, the UN Secretary-General called for a de-escalation of the violence and an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning that failure to do so would leave the only option for a wider conflict, which would have serious consequences for civilians and regional stability.
He urged all parties to return to the negotiating table, especially on the issue of Iran's nuclear program.
Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, stated that the attack was the second unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression against Iran in recent months . He described the attacks as deliberate targets of densely populated civilian areas in several major cities, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries.
“There is no excuse, accusation, or distortion of information that can legitimize this clear crime and aggression,” Iravani said.
They also pointed out that this attack constitutes a war against the international legal order that the United Nations and the Security Council have built together for more than eight decades.
Meanwhile, Fu Chong, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions, emphasizing that China opposes and condemns the use of force or threats of force in international relations. He added that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and other countries in the region must be respected.
Meanwhile, Vasily Nebenzia, Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations, stated that the actions of the United States and Israel constituted armed aggression against sovereign and independent UN member states, a complete violation of fundamental principles of international law. He added that this irresponsible step had undermined peace and stability in the Middle East and was a betrayal of diplomatic means.
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